European Culture Forum 2017 to be held in Milan for the first time outside Brussels

The European Culture Forum, the most important cultural event organized by the European Commission, will take place in Milan on December 7-8, 2017, marking the first time the biennial forum leaves Brussels for another member state. The decision was a victory for Italy, achieved through the efforts of Silvia Costa, coordinator of the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament's Culture Committee and its 2014 president. Costa stated that Berlin was initially considered, but a team effort pushed for Italy, recognizing the country's cultural role. Milan was chosen due to its fourth-place ranking among Europe's most creative and active cultural metropolises, according to the Joint Research Centre (JRC). Costa highlighted Milan's investment in culture with an international vision and its hospitality demonstrated during Expo 2015. The forum aims to enhance European cooperation in culture, gather policymakers at various levels, and review the European Agenda for Culture. The program remains confidential but will be funded by the European Parliament's Culture Committee in collaboration with local authorities. Confirmed participants include Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport; Silvia Costa; and Italian Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini. The event is also seen as a precursor to the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.